What is the cheapest safest country to retire in?

Asked by: Else Vandervort  |  Last update: September 16, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (52 votes)

For those who wish to retire to safe havens that offer cheap living expenses, some of the cheapest and safest countries to retire to include Indonesia, Ghana, Romania, North Macedonia, and Vietnam.

What country is the most affordable to retire in?

Their healthcare, public safety and other metrics make these countries relative bargains, even compared with some of the cheapest places to retire in America.
  1. Japan. Cost-of-living index: 46.1.
  2. Malaysia. Cost-of-living index: 30. ...
  3. Oman. Cost-of-living index: 42.4. ...
  4. Taiwan. ...
  5. Czech Republic. ...
  6. Kuwait. ...
  7. Croatia. ...
  8. Slovenia. ...

Where is the safest and most affordable place to retire?

Read on to explore the cities with the most affordable housing that notched highly on the U.S. News 2024 Best Places to Retire ranking.
  • Lexington, Kentucky.
  • Oklahoma City.
  • Omaha, Nebraska.
  • Montgomery, Alabama.
  • Davenport, Iowa.
  • Green Bay, Wisconsin.
  • Hickory, North Carolina.
  • Wichita, Kansas.

What is the cheapest and safest country to live in?

The most affordable countries among the safest in the world are Latvia, Chile, Costa Rica, Slovakia, and Lithuania. The cost of living in these states varies from $1,000 to $1,100 per month.

What country can I retire on $2000 a month?

Costa Rica

Once settled, most retiree couples can live well within the country for as little as $2,000 per month.

Cheapest countries to retire (for $1000/mo or less)

42 related questions found

What countries can I move to and still collect my Social Security?

If you are a resident of a country that has a U.S. social security agreement, (other than Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, or Switzerland), we will continue your U.S. Social Security payments.

Where in the world can I live comfortably on $1000 a month?

Retiring abroad on $1,000 per month doesn't mean sacrificing quality of life. Many countries offer excellent health care, infrastructure and amenities at a fraction of the cost compared to the U.S. The cheapest places to retire abroad include Panama, the Philippines, Portugal, Malaysia, Mexico, Thailand and Vietnam.

What country can you live like a king for cheap?

  • Retire in Bali, a tropical paradise where luxury meets affordability. ...
  • Malaysia combines modern comforts with budget-friendly living for expats. ...
  • Vietnam offers a vibrant culture and some of the lowest living costs worldwide. ...
  • Enjoy Thailand's warm hospitality and affordable lifestyle for retirees.

What is the most free country to live in?

It takes into account various factors such as the rule of law, property rights, freedom of speech and religion, and access to economic opportunities. Switzerland ranks first with a human freedom index of 9.11, followed closely by New Zealand at 9.01 and Denmark at 8.98.

Where is the nicest but cheapest place to live?

10 Most Affordable Cities To Live In The U.S.
  • Evansville, Indiana.
  • Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Dayton, Ohio.
  • Wichita Falls, Texas.
  • Toledo, Ohio.
  • Akron, Ohio.
  • Springfield, Illinois.
  • Rockford, Illinois.

Where can I retire on $500 a month?

Thailand. Is it possible to retire in Thailand and keep the costs in check? Certainly! It's another top choice for digital nomads with an achievable $500 monthly budget, focusing on affordable accommodation.

What country has the lowest cost of living?

Cheapest country to live in
  • The cheapest place to live in the world is Pakistan, according to Numbeo's 2024 Cost of Living Index.
  • Countries with a low cost of living and high quality of life include Costa Rica, Portugal and Malaysia.
  • The cheapest places to live in the US are Wichita and Overland Park, both in Kansas.

What states do not tax social security and retirement income?

There are currently seven states in which individual income is not subject to tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. In two other states — New Hampshire and Tennessee — only dividends and interest are subject to state taxes.

What is the best country to retire on social security?

Chile. Chile is one of the cheapest and safest countries to retire to. It is also one of the countries where you can retire on just social security in 2024, based on its cost of living which is estimated to be around $1,780.

Where can I retire on $1-200 a month?

Here are the 15 best East Coast cities to retire on a budget of $1,200 a month:
  • Blacksburg, Virginia. Cost of Living Index: 89.6. ...
  • Rochester, New York. Cost of Living Index: 88.6. ...
  • Clemson, South Carolina. ...
  • Hampton, Virginia. ...
  • Anderson, South Carolina. ...
  • Athens, Georgia. ...
  • Columbia, South Carolina. ...
  • Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Where do the happiest seniors live?

Top 20 Happiest Cities to Retire
  1. Barnstable, MA. Coming in at the top of the happiest cities to retire in the U.S. list is Barnstable. ...
  2. Naples, FL. Those who want to live by the water and enjoy warmer weather can head south to Naples. ...
  3. Ann Arbor, MI. ...
  4. Durham, NC. ...
  5. Boulder, CO. ...
  6. North Port, FL. ...
  7. Olympia, WA. ...
  8. San Jose, CA.

Which country is best to live permanently?

The best countries to live in are the Netherlands, Iceland and Luxembourg, based on the current data from the Global Happiness Index, Global Peace Index, and GDP per capita league table.

What is the most peaceful country in the world?

Iceland remains the most peaceful country in 2022, a position it has held since 2008. It is joined at the top of the index by New Zealand, Ireland, Denmark and Austria.

Why is Switzerland more free than America?

Switzerland's freely elected officials determine and implement national and local policy through a decentralized governance system. The 26 cantons have significant control over economic and social policy, with the federal government's powers largely limited to foreign affairs and some economic matters.

What is the cheapest English-speaking country to live in?

Cheapest English-Speaking Countries
  • India: A Rich Tapestry of Culture at a Low Cost. ...
  • Ghana: A Hidden Gem in West Africa. ...
  • The Philippines: Tropical Beauty with a Low Cost. ...
  • Malaysia: A Blend of Cultures and Comfort. ...
  • Vietnam: Vibrant and Economically Attractive. ...
  • South Africa: Beauty and English Proficiency.

Where is the cheapest warm place to retire?

Methodology
  • Corozal, Belize. ...
  • Panama City, Panama. ...
  • San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. ...
  • Santiago, Dominican Republic. ...
  • Lake Chapala, Mexico. ...
  • La Serena, Chile. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,640. ...
  • Cuenca, Ecuador. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500. ...
  • Da Nang, Vietnam. Average Monthly Cost of Living: $1,500.

Where can I go and live like a king?

5 places to live like a king for less than London rent
  • MEXICO. Situated between the United States and Central America, this vast country prides itself on its beauty and diverse landscape made up of mountains, coastlines, deserts, and jungles. ...
  • THAILAND. ...
  • KENYA. ...
  • ARGENTINA. ...
  • INDIA.

Where is the cheapest place to retire with good healthcare?

Wisconsin, New Hampshire, and Tennessee are all highly ranked retirement destinations for health care needs due to low or no income taxes, access to quality health care facilities, and access to nature and recreational activities.

Where can I live in $800 a month in the US?

10 Big City ZIP Codes Where You Can Rent For Under $800
  1. Columbus, OH (43227)
  2. Indianapolis, IN (46254) ...
  3. Houston, TX (77034) ...
  4. Indianapolis, IN (46227) ...
  5. Indianapolis, IN (46229) ...
  6. El Paso, TX (79930) ...
  7. Houston, TX (77099) ...
  8. Fort Worth, TX (76133) ...

What is the easiest country to retire to from the USA?

Countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, and Belize are frequently cited for their affordable cost of living and pleasant climates. Known for the “pura vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica provides a stable and friendly environment. Panama stands out for its pensionado visa offering discounts to retirees.